Welcome to sandals season! It's hot outside and your feet want to cool down and feel the breeze just like you do! The best summer sandal trends don't just keep your toes feeling fresh; they're also the best way to show off your summer pedicure and give your favorite summer sundresses and shorts a trendy update.
But has it been a while since you went sandal shopping? Hey, we get it—some of us are super loyal to our favorite flip flops and buckle Birkenstocks! (Those just so happen to be big trends for summer 2026, so you're actually ahead of the curve.) If you're looking for something exciting and new to pair with all those summer outfits, we've rounded up some of the biggest, coolest summer shoe trends to help you craft your sandal shopping list.
This year, sandals are feeling nostalgic—as in Y2K-inspired nostalgia. We're seeing the return of the wedge heel flip flop, the ultra-strappy sandal, even the big, chunky Doc Marten fisherman platform! All the sandals for women we've chosen still have that laid-back, casual vibe perfect for the season, including classic flip-flops for the beach or a day out and trendy mesh. These trending summer sandals are perfect for pairing with miniskirts, cargo pants, or capris.
Ahead, check out the best sandal trends for summer 2026. Time to book that pedicure!
1. Wedges
Yes, you read that right: wedges are back! It's not a huge surprise, really, given that popular shoe trends of the late '90s and early 2000s have all returned to our 2026 trend cycle: jellies, kitten heel flip flops (more on both below), and now, wedge sandals! They look surprisingly, refreshingly chic this time around, especially when paired with slip dresses or athletic shorts, and add just a little bit of height without being uncomfortable.
2. Kitten Heel Flip Flops
The flip-flop kitten heel has also made a comeback! It’s an easy “starter heel” that is comfortable to wear all day or night long and looks adorable with dressy ‘fits or more casual outfits. (And, they’re the perfect pair for capris.) We love an unexpected shade or texture, like bright white or a ruffled strap.
3. Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes date back to the 1940s but became popular in the 1980s, and have made their way up and down the trend cycle since then. But they're back for summer 2025, thanks in part to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's luxurious line The Row; they launched a jelly flat in 2024 that was all the rage with celebs—and came with a celeb-worthy price tag. However, you don't have to pay hundreds of dollars to get in on the jelly fun. There are so many inexpensive, budget-friendly jelly options in a variety of shoes styles. Try a jelly flip-flop with a slip dress or fisherman sandals with cutoff shorts. And the best part? You can easily wash them off if they get sticky or sandy.
4. Fisherman Sandals
Prefer to keep your toes mostly covered? If you live in a city, wearing closed-toe sandals may be your best bet for those long summer walks and hot subway rides. Fisherman sandals are a stylish fusion of a flat and a sandal, with a classic, timeless appeal, and they've been a top sandal trend for the past few years, showing exactly zero signs of slowing down this year. We love the contrast of a heavier, chunkier sandal paired with a floaty dress.
5. Flip Flops
No summer wardrobe is complete without a pair of flip-flops! Thong sandals are a forever favorite and have been spotted on the feet of some of our favorite stars, including Sasha Obama and Kylie Jenner. You can't go wrong with a pair of iconic, budget-friendly Havianas or the Gen Z-beloved leather Rainbows, but there are so many different flip-flop options on the market that you're bound to find a pair that speaks to you and your soles. (Get it?)
6. Classic Birkenstocks
There's a reason Birkenstocks never actually go out of style, though they've been ultra popular in recent years. They're comfortable, supportive, and come in tons of different styles, widths, colors, and sizes. Sure, they have a slight “orthopedic” vibe, but that often works in their favor; just like the “dadcore” or “normcore” trend of a few years ago, Birks feel like something your parents may have worn—in a good way!
7. Skinny Strap Sandals
The strappier, the better! Ultra slim straps look great on the foot and feel perfectly aligned to the 2000s trends we're still obsessed with. A strappy slingback with a block heel brings major Carrie Bradshaw energy, and a platform version (can you believe this pair is from Crocs?) has a sleek, minimalist profile that goes with all your fave summer looks. It would be super cool with track pants, just saying.
8. Mesh Ballet Flats
OK, so mesh shoes aren't exactly sandals, but the breathable, peekaboo effect of mesh or lattice leather makes them feel like the perfect balance! Gigi Hadid recently wore Journee Collection's mesh Mary Janes for a night out. “The key to any great summer shoe is breathability," says Chen. “Materials like mesh or knit keep feet cool, while an odor-controlling, sweat-absorbing insole keeps you fresh all day.” Sounds like an ideal summer shoe to us.
